What does squiggly mean?
Squiggly is an informal adjective meaning full of small, irregular twists and curves. It is especially common when describing handwriting, lines, roads, paths, or other shapes that do not run straight. The word has a playful, approachable tone and is often used when describing something that seems lively or difficult to follow. For example, one might call a child’s handwriting squiggly or say that a river follows a squiggly course. It is more conversational than formal, but it is widely understood in both British and American English. The related noun squiggle refers to a twisty line or movement, while squiggly specifically describes the appearance or character of something.
adjectiveHaving a shape or outline marked by small, irregular twists and curves. Informal and often descriptive of handwriting, lines, paths, or objects.
- Having a shape or outline composed of small, irregular twists and curves.
"She drew a squiggly line across the page."
"The road followed a squiggly route through the hills."
"His signature was almost impossible to read because it was so squiggly."
Squiggly is what happens when a line refuses to travel in a straight direction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squiggly come from?
Squiggly was formed in the 19th century from squiggle by adding the adjective-forming suffix -y. Squiggle itself is a playful, probably expressive formation that appeared in the same general period, and its precise origin is uncertain. The word reflects the idea of a line moving in small, irregular twists, while the suffix -y has long been used in English to form adjectives from nouns.
How squiggly is actually used
Informal and usually friendly or descriptive; it is common in speech and in writing about handwriting, routes, and lines.
Easily confused with squiggly
Squiggly is an adjective describing something with an irregular curving shape, while a squiggle is the twisty line or movement itself.